A Natural Treatment for Rosacea & Redness

The healing power of the Western Red Cedar Tree

Beta-thujaplicin (thoo-ya-pli-cin), an organic compound and extract from the Western Red Cedar is also known as hinokitiol.  Used by generations of  First Nations people, this natural ingredient is celebrated for its healing properties.  Specifically, beta-Thujaplicin has proven to be a natural antibiotic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.

Beta-thujaplicin (thoo-ya-pli-cin), an organic compound and extract from the Western Red Cedar is also known as hinokitiol.  Used by generations of  First Nations people, this natural ingredient is celebrated for its healing properties.  Specifically, beta-Thujaplicin has proven to be a natural antibiotic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.

The beta-Thujaplicin molecule has been intensely studied with more than 120 peer-reviewed scientific articles on its biological effects and benefits for use in cosmetics and personal care products including:

• Potent antioxidant
• Anti-pigmentation effects.
• anti-melanogenic effects - inhibits tyrosinase activity
• Natural antibiotic
• Natural antimicrobial
• Antifungal
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-cancer via inhibition of cell proliferation and UV absorption

These properties confer multiple advantages for use of thujaplicin in anti-aging skin care. First and foremost, thujaplicin has been found to be a potent antioxidant, quenching free radicals from environmental and inflammatory processes and limiting the skin damage that they can cause. Thujaplicin also appears to provide natural prevention and repair of pigment defects—one of the chief age-related complaints. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests thujaplicin exhibits anticancer activity in a variety of cancers through inhibition of cell proliferation.  Shown to be a natural anti-biotic this ingredient is well suited for acne and rosacea.  

Natural Whitening Agent 

Beta-Thujaplicin inhibits the formation of pigment through the blockage of the enzyme tyrosinase, thus acting as a biological whitening agent. While the most common chemical whitening agent, hydroquinone, also uses this mechanism of action, thujaplicin as a biological agent (naturally occurring) can do this without causing major health concerns. As hydroquinone has been derived from a phenol compound, there is a concern for potential carcinogenic effects along with the paradoxical effect of skin darkening when this product is used at high concentrations. For these reasons, hydroquinone has been banned for use as a lightening agent in several countries around the world.

Natural Alternative to Antibiotics

For Rosacea and other sensitive skin conditions that are mediated by inflammatory biological reactions or where bacterial, microbial and fungal agents are thought causative, Beta-Thujaplicin can provide natural antibiotic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory relief. Beta-Thujaplicin has been found to have a very strong ability to inhibit the growth and resistance of most bacteria and several microorganisms, including influenza virus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Schistosoma mansoni. Beta-Thujaplicin can be used to treat infections and contact dermatitis without any undesirable side effects or the generation of mutant resistant strains.

Dr. Jason K. Rivers is a clinical professor of dermatology and previous director of the dermatology residence training program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He is currently a practicing dermatologist and owner of Pacific Dermaesthetics in downtown Vancouver. He is the chief clinician and researcher behindRiversol - a line of skin care products containing Beta-thujaplicin, which is an organic compound and extract from the Western Red Cedar. 

Dr. Rivers is Board Certified in Dermatology in Canada and the United States. He has received numerous awards from the Canadian Dermatology Association and the American Academy of Dermatology Association and is listed in Best Doctors in Canada.